Earlham is located approximately 20 minutes west of West Des Moines, Iowa on
Interstate 80, exit 104. Named after the Earlham Hall of England and a Quaker college in
Richmond, Indiana, Earlham is the "Northern Gateway" into Madison County, home of the
world famous
covered bridges.
The Earlham exit is the fastest route from the interstate to two of these bridges, The
Hogback Bridge and The Roseman Bridge.
Pool Employment Application
The city of Earlham is looking for qualified applicants to work at the city pool for the 2008 season. Jobs available are Lifeguard, Lifeguard Manager, and Water Safety Instructor.
Click here. to download the application (Word document).
A Short History
In 1853, Quaker families migrated from Indiana to settle in this area. Before then, the only
white inhabitants were trappers and traders.
The town of Earlham dates its existence to the 1868 construction of the Chicago, Rock
Island and Pacific Railroad through Iowa. Incorporated in 1870 with 222 citizens, Earlham
was to be a key depot between Des Moines and Omaha.
The town's name derives from the Earlham Hall of England, home of prominent 19th
century Quakers and from Earlham College, a Friends school founded in 1847 in
Richmond, Indiana.
Although Earlham did not become the rail hub envisioned by its founders, it thrived as a
limestone quarrying area and retail center for the farming community. By 1879, three
railcar loads of limestone were shipped out of Earlham's quarries daily. The new town
boasted general stores, blacksmith shops, a bank, drug store, hotel, butcher shop,
restaurant, confectionary store and two milliners.
The 1900's saw Earlham's growth continue. Phone service came in 1902, electricity and
municipal water in 1910. Auto dealerships arrived in 1910 to coexist with the livery barns.
A theater, opera house and skating rink offered entertainment.
The father of famous actor John Wayne ran a drug and jewelry store here. This store and
Wayne's Earlham boyhood home stand today.
Earlham's colorful past is preserved in the historic storefronts on Chestnut Street and in
the lovely Victorian and Craftsman style homes gracing its residential streets.